TRUCKEE, Calif. – A 7-year-old and a 9-year-old were found safe by California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers on Sunday, March 17, following a parental abduction that occurred in Reno, Nevada. The mother of the children, and her male companion, were taken into custody and have been charged with kidnapping.
The incident, initially reported by the CHP Chico Communication Center, began with a Be-On-the-Lookout (BOL) alert, as the suspects were believed to be heading towards California with the two children.
Prompt action by CHP officers led to the swift location of the suspect vehicle. At approximately 4:16 p.m., a Truckee CHP officer spotted the vehicle traveling eastbound on Interstate 80 (I-80), east of Soda Springs. A coordinated effort enabled a high-risk stop at the Donner Rest Area, where the male suspect was apprehended without incident, and the children were found safe within the vehicle. The female suspect had previously exited the vehicle and was not present at the stop.
Officers from the CHP’s Gold Run Area office located the female suspect a short time later along Rainbow Road, near I-80. She was taken into custody without incident.
The children were safely transferred to the care of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, which facilitated their return to their guardians. Both suspects have been booked into the Nevada County Jail on charges of kidnapping, in violation of section 207(d) PC.
The CHP Truckee Area and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office are conducting thorough investigations into this incident within their respective jurisdictions. We commend the swift and coordinated response of all units involved, ensuring the safety and well-being of the abducted juveniles.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
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